DeBary to hold special election for new mayor

Former Mayor Clint Johnson found to violate charter

DeBARY, Fla. – The city of DeBary will schedule a special election after council voted to oust its mayor for finding him guilty of violating the city's charter.

On Wednesday, councilmembers found now former Mayor Clint Johnson guilty of eight counts of violating the city's charter. The 4-0 vote to oust Johnson came late Wednesday.

The mayor was accused of directing city staff and calling for the firing of certain employees. Johnson called charges against him frivolous "with no grounds whatsoever."

Johnson tells News 6 he plans to run for re-election.

"At the urging of the community, I'm going to have to step up and give the voters an opportunity to let me finish the job that they hired me to do for four years," Johnson said.

Johnson says he is expecting to run unopposed.

The city of DeBary has not announced the date for the special election. The city manager tells News 6 council is calling a special meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. to discuss when residents can go back to the polls to vote for their new mayor.

City leaders say according to the charter, the special election has to be within 45 days. But the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections tells News 6 that isn't impossible, but will be very difficult.

The city manager says there is a state law that says if a city can't schedule the special election within charter guidelines, then it has to hold it as soon as possible.

Residents are hopeful the city will heal, but says the city is still divided. Some are supportive of the council's decision, but others say council voted against the will of the people.

"He's our mayor, not their mayor, he's our mayor. And I think they should ask the people what they think," resident Ann Batson said.

"He definitely won't get my vote and I don't think you'll get enough votes to move forward," resident Kenny Knapp said.

Vice Mayor Lita Handy-Peters will serve as interim mayor until the city holds a special election. The city manager tells News 6 the fifth council seat will remain vacant until a new mayor is elected.

Johnson says his attorneys will pursue legal action.